Ever watch "SNL" and the character "Debbie Downer?" I hate to be Debbie, but I think those are dead pigs that somebody at the zoo or habitat decided to use for a hoax. I hope I'm wrong, but the piglets look corpselike. And piglets are used for Tiger feed. Believe me, I'm the first one who wants to say "awwwwww" but I have a funny feeling about this one. On the other hand, I've seen some amazing animal combinations. I just wish the piggys didn't look so limp.

Well, see, Hannah, that's the problem. Tigers' habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate. Unless things change drastically, pretty soon the ONLY place anyone will see tigers is in captivity. But perhaps breeding them in captivity is better than letting them go extinct.

The picture is quite real. The story behind it isn't, however. This zoo in Thailand has been interchanging tiger cubs and piglets since before 1997. The milk from the sow is said to make the tiger cubs healthier, and the interaction between species apparently has a calming effect on both the tigers and the pigs. You can read about the practice here:http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v27/i3/together.asp

They are real alright I have seen pics of the tiger walking around with the piglets on another site, they are not dead, animals in captivity are different then wild animals, my rotti loves my cat and that is unusual to see a rottweiler kissing a cat.

They are real alright I have seen pics of the tiger walking around with the piglets on another site, they are not dead, animals in captivity are different then wild animals, my rotti loves my cat and that is unusual to see a rottweiler kissing a cat.

unfortunately, it's real. Sriracha zoo in Thailand. They were closed down temporarily in 2004 for allegedly breeding tigers for commercial export. There's a black market in China for tiger parts. During that time, more than 80 tigers died of the avian flu, as they were fed chicken carcasses. These photos depict their attempts 'domesticate' tigers to enough of a degree that they will tolerate the humiliating demand to entertain people. Sad, really.

unfortunately, it's real. Sriracha zoo in Thailand. They were closed down temporarily in 2004 for allegedly breeding tigers for commercial export. There's a black market in China for tiger parts. During that time, more than 80 tigers died of the avian flu, as they were fed chicken carcasses. These photos depict their attempts 'domesticate' tigers to enough of a degree that they will tolerate the humiliating demand to entertain people. Sad, really.

This email forward arrives with photographs of a mother tiger suckling several piglets cutely clad in "tiger" suits. The message claims that veterinarians at a Californian zoo introduced the disguised piglets to the mother tiger in an effort to alleviate her depression after she lost her real cubs. The photographs are genuine. However, the explanation is a work of fiction.

The photographs were actually taken at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Thailand and not in California. The zoo is renowned for its rather bizarre cross-species displays. According to a 2004 article in the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) Quarterly:

The Sriracha Tiger Zoo, an hour outside of Bangkok, Thailand, is truly an amazing place. Boasting more than 400 tigers, a handful of Asian elephants, piles of crocodiles, camels, snakes and other exotic animals, the zoo has some intriguing, yet troubling exhibits.

In one glass room, a farrowing crate entombed a pig who, lying on her side, nourished both her piglets and tiger cubs. Across the hall, another glass room housed a female tiger, who fed piglets adorned in tiger-print costumes. This incongruous display was replicated elsewhere, where enclosures housed tigers, pigs, and dogs together.

The zoo features a tiger circus and a variety of displays and shows designed to entertain guests, including crocodile and elephant shows, pig racing, "the genius pig that can calculate in 5 languages" and "Scorpion Queen, the girl with over 100 scorpions on her body". In spite of the claims in the email forward, the tiger suited piglets were not given to a grieving mother tiger to help her depression. Instead, they represent a callous manipulation of animals for the gratification of their human visitors.

Other photographs show the piglets interacting with a tiger without their "tiger" disguises, so the tiger suits are clearly to increase the entertainment value of the display and are not really required. Photographs also depict a mother pig returning the "favour" by suckling tiger cubs.

It seems apparent that the author of this email forward has simply invented a touching story to suit a set of rather intriguing images. The photographs are certainly interesting. However, they do not depict an act of kindness by concerned humans intent on helping an animal in distress as implied in the message. Instead, they exemplify out unfortunate willingness to exploit our fellow creatures for our own selfish purposes.

This tiger piglet combo actually lives in a zoo/circus in Bangkok. It's part of the "attraction". Both tiger and piglets ARE alive, but the tiger (as a cub) was nursed by a pig. They are "friends" and if you look around on the web you can find more photos of them playing together. Apparently this zoo/circus in Bangkok has become very successful for its strange match-making abilities.

These photos are not a hoax biut the pictures are not as lovely and charming as you think

These tigers are taken from their mothers and reared by pigs which is why they are so pig friendly

They are exhibited at a Thai animal entertainment centre where the life expectancy of the tigers is very short. The animals are not treated well and they are exploited for entertainment and not for conservation.

You can read a full damning report herehttp://www.bornfree.org.uk/zoocheck/zcnews040501.shtml

Personally I think these photos are out of place on this otherwise chariming blog

While this picture is very cute...let's be realistic. Those piglets look like they are wearing tiger fur and we all know tigers are on the endangered species list and have been for quite some time due to poaching, human encroachment on habitat etc, etc. SHAME!!!

It's a boring photo.It looks so sedate, whatever the deal behind it is.Show me a Tiger walking around a circus ring with piglets on his back, dressed as cops.You guys need to get out more. Start with the next room, tomorrow go to the park, feed the ducks. There's no need to be anonymous.

It's real and i've been to the zoo. They have a really cool Tiger show there too. They have tigers walking on hind legs and everything. It's awesome. Oh and forgive me if i don't QUITE buy all the links to the websites run by animal rights yahoos. Your most beloved housepet is "abused" in their eyes.